Wingate, N.C.— The North Greenville Women’s basketball team took the court for the first time in 2010 looking to open the new decade with a “W” however the Lady Crusaders were unable to do so dropping the contest to the Bulldogs of Wingate University 81-53.

The Crusaders only lead of the game came with 13 minutes left in the first half when they lead 10-9. Wingate closed the half with a 32-7 run making the halftime score 41-17. The Bulldogs would outscore the Lady Crusaders 40-36 in the second making the final score 81-53. Sophomore guard Karly Stache lead NGU in scoring with 15 points. Stache was 6 of 12 from field and 3 of 7 from the three point line. Senior Whitney Smith posted 13 points and lead North Greenville in rebounding with 6. Senior point guard Nikki Wood added 12 points to the Crusaders’ total. “It was just a bad night shooting for us tonight and we dug ourselves into a hole in the first half” remarked head coach Jayne Arledge, “It was not our best game and we know we have to improve.” The Lady Crusaders will take the court again Wednesday night January 12 at 6 pm to take on King College in Tigerville, South Carolina.